The Economist 11/13/2008
By Michael Shank

SIR- What unpropitious timing. On the heels of Syria playing friend, not foe, in relations with Lebanon and Israel and queuing for a diplomatic landing in London, American forces decide to pummel the burgeoning ally. (A puzzling raid, November 1st).

In dealing with Damascus, America prefers condescending slaps. Contrast this with the forays of France’s president, Nicolas Sarkozy, and Britain’s foreign secretary, David Miliband, which fostered fertile ties.

When I was in Syria three years ago, America was slapping even then, abruptly recalling its ambassador—a slight Syria has not forgotten.

Does Washington think Damascus will roll over and play quiet like it did last year when Israel similarly usurped sovereign borders with an attack on Syria? Let’s hope Damascus will be so kind. One wonders what incentive they have now to assist the American agenda in Iraq.

America bungled this mightily. Let’s hope that Syria will not say, “enough is enough” and return to adversarial trenches.

Michael Shank
Communications director
Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution
George Mason University
Arlington, Virginia